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I finally had the spreader bar installed BUT I had to have custom brackets made at a local machine shop for them to fit.
The original brackets did not allow me to adjust either forwards or backwards. Either it would hit the fan blades (couldn't move the brackets far enough back) or it would hit the power steering pulley (couldn't move the brackets far enough forwards). Finally found the "sweet spot" in the middle.
See the picture.... I've got about an 1/8" clearance from the fan and the pulley...it looks really close to the pulley but it's an illusion.
Nope, it's the stock fan...I just had it chrome plated. I was a little concerned about the fan, but I was told the faster the fan spins, it "move" away from the bar.
Good job! I had to modify my brackets also to allow additional adjustment for fit. I do notice a difference in handling too!
Jim
Me too! I took an real short "S" curve, that I normally took at 65 mph max because the Vette would start to lean a little, but, the other day, I took the same curve, about 75mph and she held flat and true.
That is the same speedirect bar that I installed a few years ago and those clearances between the fan and the PS pump are exactly what my bar has for clearance but I did not have to modify the brackets for my install-Stock Gm fan and PS pump. The difference is night and day versus not having the bar. As I have said numerous times, every C3 should have a spreader bar-it tightens the whole chassis (zero squeaks), enhances the car's steering response, dramatically improves handling. One of the Best $120 dollars I spent on the car.
I have been interested in the bar,but I need to know if it
will fit a 79 L82 with a mechanical fan and a electric fan.
Anyone know?
The 78/79 L-82 mechanical fans are exactly the same. Are you referring to the auxiliary electric fan on the 79 L-82 with heavy duty cooling deep in the fan cowl area? The GM auxiliary fan will not interfere with the spreader bar.
I know that this thread is nearly 1 yr old but took the vette out for the first time after adding the spreaderbar. First swapped on 17" wheels/tires and drove it for about 50 miles - a nice improvement over the 15" wheel/tire. Adding the spreaderbar was an eye opener, what a difference. Glad that I didn't do both together so that I could compare each upgrade in handling. I am running 550 springs up front, 360 fglas rear with Bilsteins frt and rear. The other stiffening mod that I added a number of yrs ago was a Sharkbar.
I too am thinking about going to a 17" wheel/tire set up and was wondering (1) are those American Racing Torque Thrust Wheels and (2) what size & manufacturer tire did you get?
Yes they're TTII's, tires are 255/45/17 Fuzion ZRi's. I bought the wheels and tires off a forum member. The tires are 1" shorter than stock height. When these wear out I'll replace with 245/55/17's.
something i haven't heard asked, has anyone used solid motor mounts with a spreader bar? i know some have used solid mounts to stiffen up the front end but i wonder if doing both would be worthwhile.
Should have done it a long time ago!!!
Spreader Bar...finally installed!!
